The Way of the World

Set in England during the late 17th century, this adaptation of William Congreve's Restoration comedy follows the intricate and manipulative love affairs of the cunning Mirabell and the witty Millamant. Their pursuit of marriage is fraught with obstacles, including the interference of Lady Wishfort, Millamant's formidable grandmother, and the machinations of other characters vying for wealth and social standing. The play explores themes of love, marriage, social etiquette, and the power of wit in a society obsessed with appearances.

This television adaptation of Congreve's classic play was generally well-received by critics for its faithful rendition of the source material and strong performances, particularly from Susannah York. It was noted for bringing the witty dialogue and complex social satire of the Restoration era to a television audience, although some found its pacing deliberate.

• Praised for its faithful adaptation of a literary classic.
• Susannah York's performance as Millamant was widely commended.
• The production successfully captured the wit and social commentary of Restoration comedy.

Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to the nature of its original broadcast, but it is remembered as a solid, well-acted television drama.

This production was part of the BBC's commitment to adapting classic English plays for television, often featuring prominent stage actors.